Buffini Chao Foundation

The Buffini Chao Foundation, established in 2005 as a family philanthropic vehicle by Sir Damon Buffini and Lady Debbie Buffini, is a UK-registered charity dedicated to promoting education and expanding opportunities for disadvantaged children and young people. Rooted in the belief that broad education—academic, artistic, sporting, and civic—levels the playing field, it pursues active, hands-on philanthropy through trustee-led research and personal networks, fostering social mobility, ambition, and skills via innovative pilots and scaled programmes. Led by Lady Debbie Buffini as Chair, the foundation emphasizes lasting impact, ongoing grantee engagement, and robust governance.

It funds projects advancing educational access, arts and culture (e.g., Young V&A, National Theatre Connections), music (World Heart Beat), sports and outdoor challenges (The Wave Project, Rugby Football Foundation), literacy (Schoolreaders), talent development (Royal Ballet School), youth leadership (Eastside Young Leaders, Prince’s Trust), and scholarships like the Elevate Acting Scholarship for underrepresented actors. Beneficiaries are primarily children, teens, and young adults from low-income or minority ethnic backgrounds, with support for both organisations and individuals across England and Wales.

Eligible entities are UK-registered charities with strong track records, capacity, and governance, typically medium-to-large or specialist groups; no formal income thresholds apply, though smaller grassroots organisations may qualify. Funding spans projects and core costs, with typical grants of £3,000–£50,000 (occasionally larger).

The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, operating on a rolling basis via proactive trustee decisions—no deadlines or public processes exist. Distinctives include its curated, relationship-driven model, flexible thematic focus on transformative opportunities, and rejection of non-aligned activities, prioritising high-potential initiatives for underrepresented youth.